What to do when someone dies

Who you will need to notify when someone dies depends on how and where they passed away.

If they died at home and their death was expected (for example, after a terminal illness) – call the family doctor who will give you a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death and information on how to register the death. It may be a Locum GP who attends initially.

If you are not the closest relative, you should contact the next of kin. You may also want to contact friends and family to support you through the arrangements.

Once the doctor has attended you can then contact the Funeral Director who will attend and take your loved one into their care.

If they died at home unexpectedly – Call 999 immediately and ask for advice. An unexpected death may need to be reported to a coroner.

Contact closest relatives and next of kin as soon as you can.

If they died in hospital – The hospital will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death and information on how to register the death. At this stage you should notify the next of kin, as well as any close friends or family who can support you.

Usually the hospital will care for your loved one until you arrange for the Funeral Director to take them to the funeral home.